Combined chlorine and ozone generator sterilization system

ABSTRACT

Water sanitizing apparatus is provided for pools, spas hot tubs and other similar bathing facilities that integrates an ozone generator and a chlorine generator in one unit, in addition to exposing a flow of water to be purified to ultraviolet radiation from the ozone generator for advanced oxidation reactions. In one embodiment, a mixing venturi allows for mixing various substances together prior to insertion into the motive flow. In another embodiment the venturi is constructed as inserts that allow tuning of the venturi for individual systems. In other embodiments, salt is added to a portion of the water flow as a concentrated brine from which chlorine is generated, or the salt may be simply be added to the water of the facility at a much lower concentration and chlorine generated from the flow of water through the apparatus.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This instant application is a continuation of Ser. No. 11/284,290, filedNov. 21, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of Applicant's copendingpatent application Ser. No. 11/190,186, filed Jul. 26, 2005, which is acontinuation-in-part of Applicant's copending patent application Ser.No. 11/165,953, filed Jun. 24, 2005, which is a continuation in part ofApplicant's copending patent application Ser. No. 11/137,890, filed May26, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of Applicant's patentapplication Ser. No. 10/701,310, filed Nov. 4, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.7,186,334, issued Mar. 6, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to water sterilization systems, andparticularly to sterilization systems for swimming pools, hot tubs, spasand similar facilities wherein chlorine for sanitizing purposes isgenerated from a salt solution in the facility, with ozone beingbeneficially used to counter sodium developed by the chlorine generationprocess and to enhance the sanitizing process. In addition, Applicant'sinvention also treats the water with ultraviolet light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many years, chlorine has been used as a sanitizer in many types ofbathing and recreational facilities such as swimming pools, spas, hottubs and other similar facilities. Commonly, the chlorine is simplyadded to the water of such a facility in the form of a liquid, such as asolution of sodium hypochlorite, or in the form of a slow-dissolvingsolid so as to slowly release chlorine into the water over a period oftime. More recently, chlorine is generated directly from the water ofthe facility itself wherein a quantity of salt is added to the water,with the water then subjected to an electrolysis process in order toobtain the chlorine. In order for this process to function efficiently,the salinity of the water in the bathing facility must be from about2,000 parts per million to about 20,000 parts per million. Furthermore,during the electrolysis process, sodium hydroxide, a caustic alkalinecompound, builds up in the water of the pool or other facility. Whilethe sodium hydroxide may be controlled by addition of acids, such ashydrochloric acid, this forms other salts and undesirably adds to thechemical loading of the water. In other instances where hydrochloricacid is deemed too dangerous to handle, an acid salt may be added to thewater, but this also adds to the chemical loading of the water. In bothinstances, any metals (except noble metals) exposed to the salt waterare prone to corrosion from the salt. To overcome these problems, onemanufacturer isolates the electrode that produces sodium hydroxide in atank with a semipermeable membrane that passes electrons so that thesodium hydroxide is isolated from the pool water. However, thesemipermeable membrane must be changed periodically, and the resultingsodium hydroxide treated and disposed. Another manufacturer utilizes abrine tank with the water therein being separate from the pool water.This is a relatively high maintenance system, requiring the brine to bechanged fairly frequently, which involves neutralizing the sodiumhydroxide therein before disposal. Both of the last two systems are alsorelatively expensive.

Accordingly, Applicant proposes to combine an ozone generator inconjunction with a chlorine generation system using salt in the water ofthe facility, the ozone reacting beneficially with the sodium hydroxidedeveloped from the chlorine generation process. In addition, ozone isadded to the water of the pool, greatly reducing chlorine requirements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic cut-away view of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 1 a is a diagrammatic view illustrating configuration of flowchannels of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 b is a diagrammatic cut-away view of another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a venturi of the present invention takenalong lines 2-2 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is an end view of a portion of the venturi showing constructiondetails thereof.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the other portion of the venturi showingconstruction details thereof.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a plug fitted into the venturi ports.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the plug of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of a portion of the venturi showingexaggerated size of an opening 124.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic cut-away view of another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cut-away view of another embodiment of a venturi whereinthe venturi portions are constructed as inserts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As noted above, Applicant proposes a combined ozone generator andchlorine generator in an apparatus that efficiently mixes beneficialsubstances, and treats the water with ultraviolet light. Particularly,when ozone is added to the salt water of a chlorine generation system,it has been found that ozone beneficially reacts with the by-products ofthe chlorine generation process, most notably sodium hydroxide. It isbelieved the ozone reacts with the sodium hydroxide and forms aprecipitate that is removable by conventional application of flocculantsand filtering. In any case, the sodium hydroxide loading of a poolutilizing a chlorine generator using salt has been found to be reducedbeyond what would otherwise be expected when the water thereof is nottreated with ozone. In addition, ozone added to water of swimming pools,spas and the like greatly reduces chlorine or other sanitizer demand,further decreasing the corresponding quantity of sodium hydroxide.

Such a combined chlorine generator and ozone generator, by way ofexample, is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The embodiment of FIG. 1 is based ona water sanitizer as described in Applicant's patent application Ser.No. 10/636,071. As stated, this embodiment is primarily intended to beused in conjunction with spas, hot tubs and similar bathing facilitiesthat utilize electrolysis of salt for chlorine generation.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the instant inventive assembly for purifyingwater is referred to generally by reference arrow 10. The majorcomponents and compartments of assembly 10 may be, but not necessarily,constructed integrally with or housed within a rigid casing 12. In someinstances, access to an interior, as where servicing or cleaning isoccasionally needed, of apparatus 10 may be provided by making one sideremovable, and sealably mounted in place. Such a casing 12 may berectangular or square, as seen from a side, and relatively narrow inwidth so as to be conveniently mountable within a spa or hot tubenclosure. In this application, a casing about 18 inches high, 18 inchesor so in width and 2 3 inches in thickness has proved to function well.Conveniently, the compartments may be formed by a linear extrusionprocess wherein the extrusion is cut every 2 3 inches or so in lengthand capped on each side. In this instance, the internal structures fordirecting water flow may be inserted from ends of the compartments, andmounted to end caps for each compartment, or as stated one side may besealed and the internal components mounted therein, after which theother side may be removably and sealably mounted in place.

Referring further to FIG. 1, assembly 10 is shown having a number ofcompartments 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24, each of these compartmentcommunicating with adjacent compartments via openings at tops andbottoms thereof so that the flow of water, as indicated by arrows,traverses the full length of each compartment. As shown in FIG. 1 a,those compartments wherein water is flowing upward may be larger incross section or diameter, and compartments wherein water flows downwardmay be smaller in cross section or diameter. Here, where the flow isupward, the flow is slower, allowing ozone in the bubbles a longer timeto dissipate in the water. In those compartments where the flow isdownward against the natural buoyancy of the bubbles, the compartmentsare smaller with a corresponding increased flow of water that entrainsthe bubbles in a faster, more turbulent flow in order to prevent bubblesfrom combining and forming air cavities at the top of those narrowerchambers.

Initially, in FIG. 1, compartment 14 serves as a contact chamber whereinbubbles containing ozone are first exposed to the water. Wherecompartment 14 is larger (FIG. 1 a), the contact time is more prolongeddue to the flow being slower through the larger compartment. Inaddition, particular structures located in the compartments where theflow is downward or at entrances/exits thereof ensure that water flow isturbulent.

With respect to these structures, at an entrance 26 of compartment 16may be mounted a static mixer assembly 28, as shown and described inApplicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,635, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Assembly 28 serves to generate turbulence inthe flow of water for reasons earlier described. Within compartment 16,there may be mounted a plurality of baffles 30 mounted at one edge 32thereof to the inner walls of the compartment, which baffles having anopposite edge 34 angled or bent downward with respect to edge 30. Withthis construction, and as shown by arrows, the downward water flowthrough compartment 16, a narrower compartment, is faster and is forcedto take a circuitous path around baffles 30, extending the contactdistance and generating turbulence in the flow of water to cause furtherdiffusion of ozone and mixing of ozone and sanitizer into the water.Where an extrusion is used to form the compartments, baffles 30 may bemounted to a strip or rod. Alternately, a free-standing structure, suchas a plurality of spheres having openings cut therein, may be placed incompartments wherein turbulence and extended contact distance isdesired.

At the bottom, of compartment 16 is a combination water exit/entrance 36where the water exits compartment 16 and flows into compartment 18. Justas the flow of water enters compartment 18 it may encounter awater-directing assembly 38 that entrains the water to flow upward witha circular, spiraling motion, preventing laminar flow from developingand allowing more diffusion of ozone to occur. As stated, compartment 18may be larger in cross section or diameter, allowing a prolonged contactdistance as earlier described for compartment 14.

At an upper end of compartment 18, a combined water outlet/inlet 40passes the water from compartment 18 to compartment 20. As the waterflows into compartment 20 from outlet/inlet 40, it may encounter astatic mixer assembly 42 as described for static mixer assembly 28. Oncein compartment 20, which may be a smaller compartment with faster flow,the flow of water is again forced to follow a circuitous path aroundbaffles 44 constructed as described for baffles 30, and which may bemounted to sides of the compartment (or to an end cap) and extendedinward to direct the flow of water in a circuitous and turbulent manner.

At a bottom of compartment 20, which may be a larger compartment withslower flow, a water exit/inlet 46 is provided to pass the flow of waterfrom compartment 20 to compartment 22. Here, as the water flows intocompartment 22, it may encounter a second water-directing assembly 48that directs the upward flow of water along a circular, spiral path.Alternately, the flow of water may be introduced into compartment 22 atan angle so as to induce a spiral motion to the water flowing throughcompartment 22.

Also positioned in compartment 22 is a watertight, sealed enclosure 50within which an ultraviolet light-emitting lamp 52 is mounted orotherwise positioned. Lamp 52 is conventionally powered, as by a ballastconnected to AC power and to the lamp. Watertight and airtight conductorconnections through enclosure 50 would typically be employed. Enclosure50 forms a portion of the ozone generator of the instant invention, aswill be described hereinafter. Significantly, the walls of enclosure 50are of a transparent, ultraviolet-transmitting material, such as, butnot limited to, quartz, which passes the ultraviolet radiation to thewater. In this compartment, water is forced to move in a spiral aroundenclosure 50 while being exposed to ultraviolet light. This exposes anypathogens that may have survived to that point to lethal levels ofultraviolet radiation, and disassociates any residual ozone in the waterinto diatomic oxygen and free oxygen. Of course, the free oxygen ishighly reactive, and reacts with practically any compound in the wateralmost instantaneously.

Also shown mounted in compartment 22 are a pair of plates 51, which areconstructed of conductive metal resistant to corrosion and galvanicmetal transfer, and may be plated with a noble metal. Plates 51 aremounted within compartment 22 in generally parallel relationship, andare coupled by insulated wires to a power supply 53 that providesconstant power in the form of DC potentials to plates 51. Thesepotentials may be on the order of from about 3 to 20 volts at a currentof from about 1 10 amps, which is generally consistent with thepotentials found in chlorine generation systems. Thus, with anappropriate quantity of salt added to the water of the spa, tub or otherfacility, free chlorine is generated in compartment 22 in proportionwith the amount of salt dissolved in the water. The rate of chlorinegeneration in general is such that most of the chlorine immediatelydiffuses into the water.

While the reactions between ozone, sodium hydroxide and chlorine arecomplex and not completely understood, the net result is a precipitatethat binds the sodium hydroxide and contaminants in the water. Inaddition, these reactions may produce compounds that have a negativeoxidation potential that may kill microbiota and further beneficiallyreact with contaminants in the water.

At a top of chamber 22 is a water outlet/inlet 54 that passes the flowof water to the last compartment 24. Structure herein is similar to thatshown and described in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,154, and which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Such structure removesentrapped air from the flow of water. Here, at a top of chamber 24, asolenoid valve 55 operates in conjunction with a water level sensor 56and, in some instances, a valve 58 is positioned at an outlet 60 ofassembly 10. A small drain chamber 57 may be provided in the vent lineafter valve 55 in order to trap and drain small amounts of waterexpelled through valve 55. Operation of valves 55, 58 and sensor 56 maygenerally be such that when sensor 56 detects a lowered water levelindicative of a gas buildup within compartment 24, a signal is sent tovalve 55 to open this valve, thus venting the gas. In instances wherethe water system is pressurized, water pressure forcefully expels thegas through valve 55. In some of these pressurized systems, where thewater pressure is sufficiently high to expel gas through valve 55, valve58 may be omitted. In instances where the water pressure is somewhatlower, a small constriction may be provided that an exit 60 in order tocause the gas to be expelled through open valve 155. In other of thesepressurized systems where valve 58 is installed, valve 58 may be closedwhen valve 55 is opened. In this instance, pressure in the systemincreases to more forcefully expel gas through valve 55. In anyinstance, after the water level rises (due to the gas is being expelled)to a preset point where the water level almost reaches valve 55, sensor56 closes valve 55. In order to prevent gas buildup in compartments withlow flow rates, such as compartment 14, a small vent line may beinstalled from the top of the compartment to a top of compartment 24.This line would be sized so as to readily vent gas, but not allowpassage of a significant quantity of liquid to pass therethrough. Insome instances, it may be desirable to pass the built-up gas back to theventuri, as indicated, or alternately back to the inlet of the ozonegenerator, thus closing the system and preventing outgassing by causingthe outgas to be re-dissolved into the water.

In other systems, such as gravity-operated flow systems, pressures inthe assembly 10 are not as high. In this instance, valve 58 would beshut as valve 55 is opened by sensor 56. In these systems, when thisoccurs, the entire system would experience a drop in pressure, and acorresponding increase in pressure when valve 55 is closed and valve 58is opened. Such pressure fluctuations are beneficial due to ozonediffusing more rapidly into the water when the pressure is higher. As aresult, more ozone diffuses into the water sooner to develop initialhigher concentrations of dissolved ozone.

Still referring to FIG. 1, another feature of Applicant's invention mayinclude premixing ozone gas with another sanitizing compound prior toinsertion of the mixed compounds into the flow of water. Here, a venturiinjector 62 similar to a venturi injector as shown and described inApplicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,911 and which is incorporated herein inits entirety by reference. This venturi 62 is conventionally providedwith a water Inlet 63 and a water outlet 65 through which a motive flowof water (as indicated by arrows) is pumped by a water pump (not shown).Venturi 62 is also provided with an annular cavity 67 (diagrammaticallyillustrated in FIG. 1) which in turn communicates with at least twoinjection ports 64 and 66. As shown, port 64 may be coupled to acanister 68 having a removable top 70 within which a solid, slowlydissolving form of neutralizing agent for neutralizing sodium hydroxidelevels developed by the chlorine generation process, or any otherbeneficial compounds, such as a flocculent, may be placed at appropriateintervals. An inlet line 72 provides a flow of water via a valve 73 fromthe motive flow to canister 68, where the compounds are dissolved intothe water, and an outlet line 74 provides the water containing thedissolved compounds to suction port 64 of the venturi. Valve 73 is usedto meter the flow through canister 68. Inlet suction port 66 of theventuri is coupled to an outlet tube 76 of enclosure 50 through whichair is circulated around ultraviolet tube 52. To accomplish this, aninlet tube 78 is provided to enclosure 50. An air filter 80 may becoupled in line 78 to filter particulates from air circulated throughenclosure 50. In some instances, an air pump 82 may be also placed inline 78 to pump air through enclosure 50. In this instance, the pumpprovides basically a constant rate of air flow through the ozonegenerator to the suction port 66 of the venturi. In any case,ozone-containing air from enclosure 50 is provided to port 66 of venturi62, where the ozone-containing air is mixed with the compound-containingwater from canister 68 in annular chamber 67 of venturi 62. Alternately,any liquid dispenser may be used in place of canister 68 to provide thecompounds to the venturi. Also, offgasses from chamber 24 may beconnected back to the venturi, as through a third suction port or byproviding an air line and T connection with either of lines 76 or 78.Where pump 82 is used, a check valve may be used to prevent ozone frombeing pumped into chamber 24, although water pressure in chamber 24should prevent water from being passed to the ozone generator. Wherethis may occur during startup, a check valve may be used that passes gasbut not water.

In another embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1 b, the plates 51 forgenerating chlorine may be mounted in enclosure or compartment 68separate from the flow through apparatus 10. In this embodiment, a valve59 may be located in either of lines 72 or 74, and used to meter flow ofwater through the compartment 68. Instead of adding the salt directly tothe water, salt may be in the form of a slow-dissolving block 69 in acompartment 61 mounted in the water flow to compartment 68. In thisembodiment, valve 59 may be positioned in line 72 in the flow beforetank 61, and used to meter a slow flow of water through tank 61. Thisconcentrates the salt from block 69 into a concentrated brine, which isthen passed to compartment 68 for chlorine generation. In thisembodiment, it is unnecessary to seed the water of the facility withsalt, as a concentrated brine is present in compartment 68 that isslowly passed through the venturi into the water of the facility.Alternately, another compartment similar to compartment 61 may belocated in water line 74, and contain a slow-dissolving substance thatneutralizes the sodium hydroxide developed by the chlorine generationprocess in compartment 68. Further, the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 1 bmay be scaled so as to be utilized with larger facilities, such asswimming pools.

The various embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 1 b of the present invention maybe plumbed into a water system of a spa or hot tub in any mannersuitable for its use. In one instance, the combined chlorinegenerator/ozone generator sanitation apparatus may be coupled at outlet60 to a suction line of a pump, with the inlet line 63 coupled to drawwater from the spa or tub, or to a filter drawing water from the spa ortub. In a different plumbing scheme, the inlet 63 may be coupled to theoutput of a pump, with the outlet 60 coupled to provide sanitized waterback to the spa or tub. In yet another plumbing scheme, a bypassplumbing scheme may be used wherein pressurized water from the filter isapplied through the inlet 63, with the outlet 60 coupled to provide thesanitized and treated water back to the suction side of the pump. Asshould be apparent from Applicant's disclosure, any plumbing scheme maybe used that allows the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 1 a to be used in theirintended manner.

A multiport venturi 62 as contemplated by the present invention is moreparticularly described in FIGS. 2 6. Here, it is seen that venturi 62 isconstructed in two portions or halves, an inlet portion 90 and an outletportion 92. Nut/bolt pairs (not shown) extend through 8 pairs of alignedopenings 93, 93 a in each of portions 90, 92, and hold portions 90, 92together while allowing disassembly thereof, as will be furtherexplained. As shown, a flange 94 extends around a periphery of a body ofinlet portion 90, flange 94 defining a cavity 96 therearound. As shownin FIGS. 2 and 3, small cavities 98, 98 a may generally receivedissimilar compounds from their respective inlets 64, 66, and channels100, 100 a carry the compounds to an annular mixing cavity 102 where thedissimilar compounds are mixed. After being mixed, the compounds aredrawn by venturi action across a flat venturi interface 104, as will befurther explained, and into the motive flow of water flowing throughopening 106.

The outlet portion 92 is provided on an external side with inlets 64 and66 for supplying liquid and/or gaseous substances to the venturi. Thismay be the same substances applied to each of inlets 64, 66 ordissimilar substances may be applied to inlets 64, 66 as describedabove. In the latter instance, the dissimilar substances are at leastpartially mixed prior to being introduced into the water flowing throughthe venturi. Of course, inlets 64, 66 may be located on the inletportion 90 with appropriate modification, and more than 2 inlets may beprovided to the mixing chamber, as should be apparent to one skilled ofthe art. Inlets 64, 66 each communicate with respective cavities 108,108a, these cavities provided with stepped regions 110, 110 a where thecavities are reduced to a smaller diameter. Within the smaller diameterareas the cavity is tapered as shown toward inlet bores 64 a, 66 a andthe respective openings through which sanitizing compound flows. Withinthe smaller-in-diameter and tapered portions of cavities 108, 108 adisks 112, 112 a of a thin, flexible material are placed, these disksserving as check valves to allow only a one-way flow through inlets 64,66. As these disks 112, 112 a must move slightly within their cavities,the cavities are constructed slightly thicker and larger in diameterthan the disks. For holding disks 112, 112 a in place, plugs 114, 114 aare provided, as particularly shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. These plugs aresized to snugly fit as shown into the larger portions of cavities 108,108 a and loosely hold disks 112,112 a in place. These plugs each areprovided with a series of ridges 116 forming a plurality of grooves 118in faces of the plug facing disks 112 (dashed lines in FIG. 5). As such,when substances are flowing through the inlets 64, 66, the disks aremoved away from the internal openings of the bores 64 a and 66 a andgenerally pressed against the grooves of plugs 114, 114 a. As the disksare smaller than the radial extent of the grooves 118, liquids andgasses flow around the disks, into grooves 118 and through a centralopening 120,120 a in the plugs. Openings 120, 120 a in the plugscommunicate via slots 100, 100 a with annular mixing chamber 102, wherethe substances are mixed and drawn into the venturi interface. Whilesubstances are drawn rapidly through the venturi ports and into themixing cavity 102, many mixing reactions occur so fast that the reactionproducts cause other reactions before being drawn into the motive flowof water.

Additionally provided in outlet portion 92 is an annular cavity 122surrounding opening 124 through which the motive flow of water flowsfrom opening 106 of inlet portion 90. Together, annular cavities 102 and122 form the mixing cavity 67 diagrammatically shown in FIG. 1. Aventuri interface 104 a is located proximate venturi interface 104 ofinlet portion 90, this dimension determined by thickness of a gasket 126fitted between the inlet portion and outlet portion. Thus, the venturimay be adjusted for differing rates of flow by placing a gasket ofappropriate thickness between the two portions. Here, where the flowrate is higher, a thicker gasket may be used, which in turn draws moreliquid or gaseous compounds into the venturi, and where the flow rate islower, a thinner gasket may be used, which in turn draws less into theventuri. Of course, openings are cut in the gasket to allow flow ofliquids and gasses therethrough and to allow motive flow of waterthrough the gasket. Additionally, slots in the gasket may be cut alongslots 100, 100 a to allow liquids and gasses to more fully be mixed inboth annular chambers 102 and 122.

In another embodiment of the venturi, and referring to FIG. 7, theopening 106 of water inlet 63 is slightly smaller, on the order of a fewthousandths of an inch or so, than opening 124 of water outlet 65. Ithas been found that with opening 124 being larger, suction at theventuri ports 64 and 66 is greatly increased, and the venturi will drawmore liquids and gasses into the motive flow of water. In someinstances, 2 to 3 times as much of a gas or liquid may be drawn throughthe ports 64 and 66 just by increasing size of opening 106. Of course,the interior sides of the water outlet are tapered as shown away fromopening 106. It is believed that by making opening 106 larger, moreaccommodation is provided for the extra volume of substances drawn inthrough the suction ports. In yet another embodiment, the material fromwhich the venturi itself is constructed, particularly the outlet portion92, may a relatively flexible material. This causes the interface regionof outlet portion 92, particularly around opening 124, to be forcedoutward (to the right in FIG. 7) slightly under pressure from the motiveflow. This in turn causes the gap through which liquids and gasses aredrawn to become larger, on the order of a few thousandths of an inch orpossibly somewhat more, drawing more liquids and gasses through the gapand maintaining a ratio of gasses and liquids to the quantity of motiveflow to remain relatively constant with different motive flow ratesthrough the venturi. In this embodiment, the gasket 126 may be of arelatively soft, flexible material, such as a dense closed cell sponge,with the venturi portions 62 and 92 assembled so as to compress thesponge relatively hard. Thus, when portion 92 expands outward, thesponge expands and maintains the seal between sealed portions of theinterface. In this embodiment, thinner or thicker gaskets may still beused to adjust the basic size of the gap.

While a number of features are shown in assembly 10, it is to beunderstood that a system with fewer features may be implemented, asshould be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, a viablesystem may include contact compartment 14, a single turbulencecompartment 16 and an ozone generator/reaction chamber 22. Further, insome systems, the gas removal compartment 24 may be omitted. In othersystems, a conventional venturi may be used to inject ozone, with otherbeing conventionally dissolved in the water. Further yet, fewerturbulence-inducing assemblies may be employed. In venturi 62, and asstated, multiple ports (more than two) may be constructed therein, andthe venturi itself may be scaled in size, in addition to adjusting theventuri gap depending on the flow.

In yet another embodiment of the invention primarily intended forswimming pools, and referring to the block or schematic diagram of FIGS.8 and 9, a water purifier 90 is shown wherein a quartz tube 92 closed atan end 92 a is mounted within hollow region 84 formed by a circulararrangement of the tubes, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG.9. As described for FIGS. 1 and 1 a, a housing 86 for the apparatus maybe formed by an extrusion process so that counterflow tubes 116 (FIG.9), elongated tubes 118 and the central region 84 are formed in theextrusion. For a swimming pool, it is anticipated that the extrusion maybe cut every 4.5 feet to 5 feet or so, forming a housing 86 allowing foruse of an ultraviolet tube up to 4 feet or so in length. Of course, ashorter embodiment may be constructed about 3 feet or so in length,allowing use of a 24 inch ultraviolet tube. Openings 116 may be fromabout 1.5 3 inches or so in diameter to accommodate the higher flowrates necessary for a swimming pool. Openings 118 may be used to mountelectronic controls and ballast for the ultraviolet lamp, or in onealternate configuration the ultraviolet lamp and quartz envelope may belocated in one of openings 118. In use, the apparatus may be mountedvertically on a base 120, shown in dashed lines, or configured to workin a horizontal position. Here, the enclosure may be oriented so thatone of elongated openings 118 is vertically positioned with respect toits cross section, and a float arrangement mounted therein so as tomaintain a water level at about ½ ⅔ of the elongated dimension of theopening 118. Alternately, the bubble removal chamber may be left outentirely.

An ultraviolet lamp 94 is mounted within a quartz (or other ultraviolettransmissive material) tube 92 so as to produce ozone within the tube 92and to provide ultraviolet radiation to the surrounding water in asimilar manner as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1 a. Lamp 94 may be mountedwithin the hollow region 84 formed by tubes 69 so as to be removable forreplacement and to seal the tube with respect to any water leaks thatmay occur, which otherwise may present a dangerous shock hazard, and isconventionally powered, as should be apparent to one skilled in the art.An air inlet tube 96 may extend as shown along most of the length, i.e.more than halfway, of the ultraviolet tube 94, and provides a flow ofair to the interior of tube 92 beginning at a point generally furthestfrom a tube 98 from which ozone-containing gas is drawn. Thisconstruction allows air containing oxygen to be moved generally thelength of lamp 94 in order to maximize the amount of ozone produced.

In addition to an ozone and ultraviolet-producing apparatus mountedwithin hollow region 84, a bubble separator generally as describedabove, generically shown as a float 98 and float valve 100, may also bemounted in hollow region 84. Valve 100 is constructed so as to vent airfrom hollow region 84 responsive to float 98 rising to a point thatopens valve 100. Air so vented passes from hollow region 84 via a tubeor aperture 102. Float 98 and valve 100 may be configured as describedabove so as to produce a hysteresis effect wherein the water levelcycles between a high point almost fully submerging tube 92 to a lowpoint wherein tube 92 is almost fully exposed to gas in hollow region84. This embodiment may be used in an enclosed area, such as inconjunction with an indoor pool in order to prevent ozone from beingexpelled into the air. This ozone destruction occurs when the waterlevel falls, exposing the gas in region 84 void of water to ultravioletradiation. Here, tube 92 blocks most of the 185 nm wavelength of theultraviolet light, the wavelength that creates ozone, and passes the 254nm wavelength, the wavelength that disassociates ozone into molecularoxygen and a free atom of oxygen. In outdoor or other environments whereminor outgassing is not a concern, the float 98 and valve 100 may beconfigured to maintain a relatively constant level within hollow region84 and the gas released by bubbles simply vented to atmosphere, asillustrated by dashed line tube 104 shown connected to expel gasses fromfloat valve 100.

Where a closed loop system is desired, the gas developed from bubbleswithin chamber 84 is provided via tube 102 and valve 100 to a tube 106coupled to tube 96 within ultraviolet transmissive tube 92. As stated,air that may contain ozone and free atomic oxygen is then passed thelength of ultraviolet lamp 94 and drawn from within tube 92 via outlettube 98, which in turn is coupled to a tube 108 coupled to a suctionport of a venturi 110, recycling the ozone and free atomic oxygen. Ofcourse, as the ozone (and other gasses) diffuses into water flowingthrough the apparatus and depletes net gasses in the system, additionalair is admitted into the system via tube 110 commonly connected to tubes106 and 96. An air filter 107 may be included in line 110, or in line oras shown between lines 106 and 96, to filter outside air, greatlyreducing cleaning requirements of an interior of quartz tube 92. Asthere is some pressure within chamber 84, a check valve 112 preventswater from being expelled from hollow region 84. Thus, during operation,air is almost constantly being drawn through check valve 112 intoultraviolet-transmissive tube 92 via tube 96 by venturi suction appliedto tube 108.

It is to be appreciated that the body 114 of the apparatus may be scaledto a size conducive for use in a spa or hot tub, and is also anextrusion as shown in FIG. 9 that is simply cut to an appropriatelength, such as 18 inches of so, with water flow tubes 116 surroundinghollow region 84 being perhaps ½ to 1 inch or so in diameter. For largerapplications, and as stated, a larger diameter extrusion with water flowtubes 116 of up to 2 inches or so in diameter may be used, and mayfurther be from about 2 to 5 feet or so in length. For an even largerapplication, such as a commercial waste water treatment system, flowtubes may be up to 3 inches in diameter and about 4 8 feet in length. Inthis instance, the total flow through the system may be divided betweena plurality of units. As described above, mixing devices for inducingturbulence may be mounted in any of the water flow tubes. Also, in theinstance where an extrusion is used to configure the structure, theinner walls separating two adjacent water flow tubes may be eliminatedto form a single compartment, such as compartments 118. Suchcompartments 118 are suitable for housing electrical and other controlcomponents of the system, such as timers and lamp drivers. In thisinstance, these two combined tubes would be isolated from the waterflow. Alternately, the bubble separator, ozone generator or both may bemounted in a respective one of compartments 118, with the controlelectronics and lamp drivers being in hollow central region 84. Ofcourse, in this instance, no water would be present in the hollowcentral region. In yet another embodiment, a brine chamber, such as abrine chamber 68 (FIG. 1) may be constructed in one of elongated tubes118, and configured to function in any of the embodiments as describedfor FIG. 1 b. In this instance, the ozone generator may be locatedeither in the hollow central region 84 or in the other of the elongatedtubes 118, and be configured to function in a similar manner as theembodiments of FIGS. 1 and 1 b.

A base 120, illustrated in dashed lines, serves to cap a bottom end ofbody 114 and is integrally constructed to contain venturi 110 and awater outlet 122. Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the venturi may be formedby providing a relatively large bore 150 at the water inlet, andproviding a pair of inserts 152 and 154 within the bore, insert 152containing an inlet portion 156 and insert 154 containing the outletportion 158. The inserts may be separated by a disk 160 having apassageway, slot or opening 162 communicating with passageways 164,which in turn is attached to suction tube 108. Such a construction hasthe advantage of being able to adjust or tune the venturi in accordancewith water flow through the apparatus by replacing the disks and insertswith other disks and inserts having differently sized conical hollows inorder to alter the operational characteristics of the venturi. Inaddition, the embodiment as described above may be advantageouslyimplemented simply by selecting an insert 154 having an opening 154 athat is slightly larger than the opening 152 a in insert 152.Alternately, a venturi similar to a venturi such as described inApplicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,911, issued Feb. 27, 2001, may be simplyattached to base 120 to provide a flow of water mixed with ozonated airto the first contact tube. The outflow from the venturi is channeled bybase 120 into a first of water flow tubes 69 that serves as the initialcontact flow tube as described above.

A top cap 122 (dashed lines in FIG. 8) cooperates with channels in base120 to channel flow of water from a first contact flow tube 69 throughthe rest of the flow tubes serially and alternately in upward anddownward directions. As with the base, any check valves and channels forchanneling air, as well as any seals required for sealing the ozonegenerator against possible water leakage, may be incorporated into thetop cap 122. Likewise, tube 108 carrying ozonated air may be cast intothe extrusion forming the body 114 of the apparatus or provided as anexterior tube.

In a last flow tube 69, and again referring to FIG. 8, and asillustrated by arrow 124, an opening 126 admits the flow of water to thehollow region 84. Here, as this compartment may be larger than the flowtubes, thus having a slower water flow therethrough, any bubbles in theflow rise to the surface and into the void above the water level. Gasesfrom hollow region 84 and outside air from check valve 112 are thendrawn by venturi suction as described through the ozone generator formedby tube 92 and lamp 94 and subsequently into venturi 110.

In an embodiment incorporating a chlorine generator, and referring toFIG. 8, the ozone generator in region 84 may be shortened, andelectrically conductive plates 51 as described for the embodiment ofFIG. 1 may be mounted below the ozone generator. These plates 51 arecoupled to a constant power supply 53 to energize plates 51 with thepotentials and current flow described above. Chlorine is produced byelectrolysis from salt added to the water, and diffuses thereintodirectly from the plate producing the chlorine. To counter a buildup ofsodium hydroxide, a dispenser of a compound, preferably slow-dissolvingas described in the foregoing, may be incorporated in a one of the flowchannels, or in one of the elongated tubes 118 (FIG. 9). As described,one of the flow channels may be configured as a brine chamber into whichwater is slowly metered to form a concentrated brine prior to beingpassed into a tube or hollow central region containing plates 51.

In operation, water from a spa, hot tub, jetted tub, pool or the like isinitially pumped by a pump (not shown) through venturi 110 whichprovides ozonated air, possibly mixed with other substances, to thewater, after which the water is directed into the first contact flowtube by a channel constructed in base 120. The water flow is thendirected by channels in the base and top cap sequentially upwardly anddownwardly through the flow tubes until entering the hollow region 84from the last flow tube. There, bubbles are separated and the separatedgasses drawn back through the venturi, or through the ozone generator,along with air from check valve 112. As stated, any ozone present in thewater or air in hollow region 84 is disassociated, promoting advancedoxidation reactions that destroy harmful components in the water.Further, such disassociation of the ozone largely prevents outgassing inan indoor facility, the free oxygen that is released reacting almostinstantly with any compounds in the water. In addition, pathogens orother undesirable microbiota that may survive until reaching the flowtube containing the ozone generator are killed by exposure toultraviolet light.

Having thus described my invention and the manner of its use, it shouldbe clear from Applicant's disclosure to those skilled in the art thatincidental changes may be made that fairly fall within the scope of thefollowing appended claims, wherein I claim:
 1. A method for purifyingwater, said method comprising the steps of: receiving and returning asmaller water flow from and to a larger water flow, said larger waterflow being a recirculating flow from and to a contained body of water;applying said larger water flow as a motive flow through a Venturi,connecting a discrete, separate supply of a halogen salt to said smallerflow of water; controllably valving said smaller flow of water toselectively limit an amount of said smaller flow of water containingdissolved said halogen salt; applying at least the selectively limitedsaid smaller flow of water containing said dissolved halogen salt to afirst suction port of said Venturi, applying a supply of ozone to asecond suction port of said Venturi, thereby mixing said dissolvedhalogen salt and said ozone together in said Venturi and with saidmotive flow, electrolyzing said dissolved halogen salt in at least oneof said smaller flow of water and said larger water flow to release saidsanitizer and greatly reduce or eliminate said halogen salt in saidcontained body of water.
 2. The method as set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising electrolyzing said halogen salt in said larger water flowdownstream from said Venturi.
 3. The method as set forth in claim 1further comprising electrolyzing said dissolved halogen salt in theselectively limited said smaller flow of water, releasing said sanitizerinto the selectively limited said smaller flow of water, and applyingsaid smaller flow of water containing said sanitizer and any residualsaid halogen salt to said first suction port of said Venturi, mixingsaid sanitizer, said any residual said halogen salt and said ozonetogether within said Venturi and with said motive flow.